San Miguel Beer bounces back strong to tie series with Game 2 win over TNT

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After a controversial loss in Game 1, San Miguel Beer roared back with a vengeance, overpowering TNT Tropang 5G, 98-92, to level the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup Finals at one game apiece on Wednesday (July 16) night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Unlike the opener, there was no controversy—just a clinical and composed outing from the Beermen, who relied on key contributions from Don Trollano, June Mar Fajardo, and Moala Tautuaa to neutralize TNT’s momentum in this best-of-seven showdown.

Don Trollano led San Miguel with 22 points to power their Game 2 win over TNT [PBA Images]

Trollano steps up in crunch time

Trollano was the hero of the night, dropping 22 points, including a critical fourth-quarter scoring run that gave SMB breathing room. Fajardo added 17 points, while Tautuaa chipped in 16, all helping to erase the sting of their close 96-99 loss in Game 1.

The Beermen broke the game open when Trollano ignited a 7-0 run, capped by a three-pointer that pushed the lead to 92-82, halting a TNT comeback that had tied the score at 77-all early in the final frame.

TNT fights through adversity

Despite injuries to RR Pogoy and Poy Erram, TNT stayed competitive. Pogoy twisted his ankle early and was limited to 25 minutes, while Erram exited with a swollen ankle. Calvin Oftana picked up the slack with a team-high 23 points, keeping TNT within striking distance.

The Tropang 5G mounted a third-quarter rally, highlighted by six three-pointers, cutting a double-digit deficit to just one, 74-75. But costly errors and missed layups down the stretch allowed SMB to regain control.

SMB dominates paint, takes halftime control

San Miguel asserted dominance inside with a 38-8 points-in-the-paint advantage in the first half. They entered halftime ahead 51-39, with Jeron Teng, Trollano, and Fajardo combining for 30 points.

SMB also executed with near perfection in the first 24 minutes—shooting 22-of-51, committing just two turnovers, and outscoring TNT 15-0 on turnover points.

With the series now tied at 1-1, Game 3 is set for Friday, again at the Big Dome, where both squads look to grab the upper hand in this back-and-forth championship duel.